Preferred Name

What Is a Preferred First Name? Some Southern Connecticut State University students are known by a first name that
is different from their legal first name. In an effort to accommodate these students
the University has created a preferred first name option for student information as
it appears in select locations. While anyone is welcome to use a preferred first name,
there are several groups of people for whom this option is invaluable. For example,
some students are known by a middle name or a nickname and are difficult to identify
when their legal name is used. Additionally, this option will allow transgender students
to use a preferred first name on campus prior to or without pursuing a legal change
of their first name. Many international students may also find this option helpful
if they use a nickname during their course of study in the States.

Use of preferred first name: Students will be able to add a preferred first name to their student information
profile by submitting a preferred first name request form. This form can be filled
out through the Student Records Menu in BannerWeb. When submitted, this preferred
first name will replace a student’s legal name as it appears on course lists, degree
evaluations, unofficial transcripts (inside MySCSU) and Blackboard and SCSU student
email, and, upon request, can be updated on the Hoot Loot ID card.

The Office of the Registrar will make every effort to process requests for preferred
first name changes within 3-5 business days. After processing, the Registrar’s Office
will send a confirmation email to the student with final instructions for completing
the information change process and instructions for obtaining an updated Hoot Loot
ID card. Students should retain this confirmation email for their records.

Use of a preferred first name on the Hoot Loot photo ID card is optional. If a student
decides to use a preferred first name on their Hoot Loot Card, they must visit the
Card Office and complete a Hoot Loot Replacement Form using their preferred first
name on the form. They must also present their confirmation email which will include
a fee waiver notice. The fee waiver will only apply upon surrender of their original
Hoot Loot ID card. Replacements thereafter will be subject to standard fees.

SCSU has endeavored to display preferred first names to the University community where
feasible and has made a good faith effort to update the systems that are designated
to use a preferred name. In the event that your preferred first name is not displaying
correctly, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

Disclaimer: The University reserves the right to approve or disapprove preferred first name change
requests.

Required use of legal first name: In some instances, students’ legal names must always be used regardless of whether
preferred names have been added to the system. Legal names will always appear on all
external use reports and documents including, but not limited to, hiring paper work,
paychecks, accounts payable checks, student billing, financial aid forms, tax forms,
official University transcripts, official diplomas, and any other documents required
by law. Legal first names can only be changed on these records when students pursue
a legal name change with their home state and/or federal authorities and then submit
that documentation to the Office of the Registrar.

If students are using a preferred name in the campus systems they must be prepared
to use legal name and identification in all instances where legal identification or
official information is necessary. In addition to the areas noted above, a SCSU ID
card that displays a preferred name cannot be used as a valid form of identification
where it is normally accepted such as in DHS I-9 hiring forms, and in some states
for voter check-in during official elections. All students with a preferred name on
a University ID card are encouraged to obtain a legal State ID, driver’s license,
international ID, and/ or a Federal Passport for identity verification purposes when
needed. The use of a preferred name in the University system may also lead to more intensive
examinations when seeking certain federal or state security clearances or background
checks. You are encouraged to disclose this information to your investigating authorities
ahead of time to avoid unexpected discrepancies and delays.

Any student found to have abused this service for the purposes of fraudulent representation
will be subject to a student conduct investigation.

This site is managed by the Registrar's OfficeSouthern Connecticut State University Revised: 09/09/15